Ronice Ellen Donovan
Sunday, January 16, 1949
Date of Death:
Monday, January 5, 2026
Age:
76 years old
Celebration of Life
Date: Saturday January 24, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church [ view map ]
Notes
Macken Funeral Home will not be present nor are we overseeing the service. For any inquiries or questions, kindly reach out to the family or the church directly.
Sunday, January 16, 1949
Date of Death:
Monday, January 5, 2026
Age:
76 years old
Sunday, January 16, 1949
Date of Death:
Monday, January 5, 2026
Age:
76 years old
Ronice Ellen Donovan
Ronice Ellen Donovan passed unexpectedly on Monday, January 5th at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN surrounded by her immediate family.
Ronice was born January 16th, 1949 in Milwaukee, WI to Roland and Bernice Meyer. She was one of three siblings in the family with her older brother, Berland and younger sister, Lannice (Rosie).
Growing up in Milwaukee Wisconsin, Ronice, who was affectionately known as “Tootie” attended Rufus King High School where she was was a gifted student with many friends. Graduating in ’66 Tootie, was involved in A-Choir, The Crown Players, Homeroom Service, The Nominating Committee, Classroom Service, and was a Hall Cadet. Outside of School, Tootie was an active and proud member of Job’s Daughters where she was crowned an Honored Queen.
After high school graduation, Tootie attended and graduated from The University of Wisconsin-Madison, afterwards returning to Milwaukee to obtain her AMI Montessori Accreditation. Tootie then traveled to Europe for a few weeks where she backpacked—a graduation present from her parents.
Tootie then moved to Rochester, MN where she began working at the Rochester Montessori School and remained there as a Children’s House Directress for 33 years. Her passion, skill, and devotion to both the Montessori Philosophy and each child’s inherent potential are what caused Ronice to become a cornerstone of the Montessori community in Rochester.
Ronice met her husband, Gary Donovan through the Montessori school and both of her daughters, Eira Rose Donovan and Moira Frances Donovan, attended the school.
Ronice was a committed and devoted member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rochester, MN. She was a member of several UU committees including the RE Committee, the Caring Committee, and pulled Gary into the Historical Committee. The church community often leaned on Ronice for her direction and gift for creating inviting spaces.
Ronice also spent much of her time working with the disabilities community of Rochester with her daughter Eira. Ronice coached Eira’s Bowling team and her Bocce Ball team, spending time every year working with the Special Olympic’s Committee.
Ronice will be remembered as a caring, gentle, hard-working, and intelligent woman, who consistently thought of others and how to best include them. Ronice’s impact on her family’s lives and her friends’ lives is indelible,— a once-in-a-lifetime relationship.
Ronice is preceded in death by her mother, Bernice (Berkhahn) Meyer, her father, Roland Meyer, her step-mother, Evelyn (Schwartz) Meyer, and her younger sister Lannice “Rosie” Meyer.
Ronice is survived by her husband, Gary Donovan, her two daughters, Eira Donovan (Jake Theros) and Moira Donovan (Ryan Nordell), and her older brother Berland Meyer (Beverly).
There will be a Celebration of Life at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Saturday, January 24th at 1pm. There will be a gathering for family and friends following the service. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either PossAbilities of Rochester or Bear Creek Services of Rochester.
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Condolences
The family of Ronice Ellen Donovan has received the following condolences.
Ronice - such a wonderful person! I miss you and your hugs! Always there to help coach for Special Olympics, be a friend....
We met Ronice because our daughters, Eira and Heather, were friends. They met when they were in elementary school and remained friends for years. Ronice (and Gary) always made us feel welcome when we were at their home.
Our sincere condolences to Gary, Moira, Eira and all her family and friends.
Sandy and Heather Johnson
Ronice was such an interesting and fun person and one of the kindness humans I have ever met. We shared memories of our girls playing together at Lincoh at Mann and then with the paws and claws rummage sale. Her expertise with pricing antiques and dishes was so valuable. She will be so missed as she always had a smile on her face. My deepest condolences to the family.
Ronice - we will never be able to have that glass of wine we promised each other for all the hard work that we know we give. Now I am too late to really Tell you how much you meant to me. You were there at every practice helping out no matter how hot or rainy it looked. You see - you put a smile on my face every time I seen you. You always made me feel like things will always turn out ok - you were always willing to help me out in anyway I needed. It’s hard to find good volunteer and such dedicated people like you. You have given so much Ronice - it’s time to rest now! I will so miss seeing you around with Eira and during Bocce Ball. You are a very special person - and we will have that glass of wine when we meet next time. Rest in Peace my friend. You are missed and loved.
To Ronices family: Eira - who I coach In Bocce ball but could coach me as well - I am so so sorry for your loss - I know your going to miss her much more than we will but I do know she has given you so much of herself that you can now really learn from and remember all of her! You will be well because of what she has given you! You keep your good memories and never forget! She will always be close to your heart.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Roni and Gary were the best neighbors ever. So many fond memories.
Hugs, Jill
I'm so sorry to hear about Ronice's passing. My heart goes out to the family.
I am so deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ronice. She was such a special, beautiful lady. I got to know here tge coaching Special Olympics with her and Eira. Prayers of comfort to Gary, Eira, Moira and family.
Sorry for your loss
From 3rd grade Sunday School (where Mrs Meyer was my teacher), to Luther League, to finally going to the same Milwaukee high school (Rufus King), Jobs’s Daughters, husbands, children, and my grandchildren Tootie is my most cherished friend……..to the point of moving from Milwaukee to SE Minnesota where we remained close, if not always geographically, it was emotionally. Together we mourned the loss of parents and close family members, celebrated our weddings, the birth of children and all the joys and tears that are part of a lifetime. I’ve thanked the Lord throughout our lifetimes for placing her in my path and heart. Rest in peace my beloved friend.
Mary Jane Holland